Gigantic airship launches equity crowdfunding drive to fly again

A company behind the world’s largest airship has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign to help raise funds to get its Airlander 10 off the ground again.

The airship, more than 90 metres long and capable of staying in the air for several days, was originally procured by the US military to perform communication and survey roles. However, the contract was later cancelled following US budget cuts.

Earlier this year, Bedfordshire-based Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) won £3.4m of funding from the UK government’s Regional Growth Fund which it needs to match by a further £2m.

The firm has estimated the market for airships utilising aerodynamics and lighter-than-air technology to stay airborne could be worth up to $50bn over the next 20 years.

“We’re offering a chance for investors to jump on board and be part of our journey as we prepare for take-off,” said the firm’s CEO Stephen McGlennan.

HAV foresees the environmentally friendly airships, which produce little noise or pollution, could be used for such chores as delivering cargo across large distances, getting aid and supplies to remote or dangerous locations and to ferry tourists from A to B.

The vertical take-off airships are remotely controlled and capable of operating in extreme environments, including ice, water and desert.

The equity crowdfunding campaign, which HAV hopes will raise its value to £36m, will run on Crowdcube until mid-May.

Formed in 2007, the firm currently has 150 shareholders who have collectively invested £9m.

HAV has benefited from £60m of investment in the aircraft from the US Government and a total of over £5m from UK Government grants.

The company’s business plan expects a valuation of the company of between £300-500 million within 5 years, generating 1,800 new jobs within the UK as a result.

Airlander 10 was flown for the first time three years ago during a test in the US when it stayed airborne for 90 minutes.

The equity-based crowdfunding market in the UK was worth over £100m last year, a 200 per cent growth year-on-year.